Edward John Sheedy

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Edward Sheedy was born in Melbourne, to Daniel and Emma Sheedy, in 1884.

At the age of 23 years, he married Sarah Jane Chinn. He and Sarah were to have two sons Cyril, born in 1912, and Neville, born in Mornington, in 1917.

Edward was a photographer, and he and Sarah set up business in Main Street, Mornington.

Sarah sold Ladies’ and Children’s clothing and assorted goods, and Edward advertised photography, of all descriptions, including developing and printing of films, and the sale of all photography supplies.

Also a fine sportsman and umpire for the junior football teams, it was in swimming that he took the greatest interest.

Edward excelled as a swimming instructor and lifesaver. He competed in the three mile swimming race on the Yarra every year, and was well known to Melbourne swimmers.

The lifesaving displays given by the Mornington Swimming Club were enlivened by an exhibition of the most unbelievable feats by Edward Sheedy. He would get down under the water and lie quite still as in the posture of one asleep - no mean feat - but then, while still underwater, he would eat cheese, two bananas and drink a bottle of milk. This, Mr Sheedy accomplished with comparative ease.

Donations were asked for at these exhibitions and the proceeds were presented to The Andrew Kerr Home for Children.

After Edward Sheedy died in 1935, his wife Sarah, and son Neville, carried on their family business at 87 Main Street, Mornington for many years, possibly assisted by her win in the Tasmanian lottery.